What Is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin, first synthesized in 1966, belongs to a class of drugs called lincomycin antibiotics. Clindamycin can be taken orally or through an injection. When taken orally, the standard adult dose is 150 to 300 milligrams every six hours. Patients with severe infections usually take 300 to 450 milligrams every six hours. Individuals who need an intramuscular injection for a serious infection will generally receive a daily dose of 600 to 1,200 milligrams. This amount is divided into two to four doses.

Clindamycin is primarily used to treat serious infections, including lung and blood infections. It is particularly useful for patients who are allergic to penicillin tablets. Some individuals may use topical clindamycin for acne. Of course, patients must talk to their doctor about taking antibiotics such as this.

How It Works

Clindamycin works by slowing down the growth of bacteria. High doses of this medication can prevent bacterial growth. It is a bacterial protein synthesis inhibitor and blocks the translocation of ribosomes. Clindamycin binds to the 50S rRNA of large bacterial ribosomal subunits. This binding can be reversed, and it overlaps with binding sites of macrolide antibiotics, oxazolidinone, pleuromutilin, and several other medicines. Clindamycin, a semisynthetic antibiotic, is derived from lincomycin. This is a natural antibiotic made by an actinobacterium called Streptomyces lincolnensis. It is water-soluble and considered more effective than lincomycin.

Uncover the uses for clindamycin next.

Uses For Clindamycin

Clindamycin may be used to treat infections involving the skin and soft tissues. This includes cellulitis, impetigo, and infections from animal bites. It is also used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Doctors may choose to prescribe it in combination with other medicines to treat pelvic inflammatory disease. Patients who have recently undergone a heart transplant, a heart valve replacement, or surgery to correct a heart defect could be given clindamycin. This would happen before procedures that could put them at risk of infection.

Less commonly, clindamycin might be considered for pneumonia patients who have not responded to other medicines. It is useful in treating malaria, and topical formulations of clindamycin may be recommended for acne. Some individuals with gum disease might need to use clindamycin as part of their treatment plan.

Get the full details on the side effects of clindamycin next.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most frequently reported side effects of clindamycin. Other common side effects include abdominal pain, skin rashes, a metallic taste in the mouth, and jaundice. Some individuals could experience heartburn or joint pain during treatment. Swallowing may become painful. White patches could form in the mouth, and patients might notice vaginal itching, burning, or swelling. Patients should inform their doctor immediately if they see any of these side effects.

In rare cases, clindamycin can trigger colon inflammation, and some individuals could have severe skin reactions. Patients should get emergency medical attention if they notice decreased urination, hoarseness, skin blistering, hives, or breathing difficulties while taking this medication.

Continue reading to reveal the precautions to remember when taking clindamycin next.

Precautions To Remember

Before clindamycin is prescribed, patients should let their doctor know about any history of eczema, liver disease, asthma, colitis, or Crohn's disease. Doctors must also know if the patient has an allergy to acetylsalicylic acid or yellow food dye. Individuals with these conditions might need to take a different antibiotic. Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor. The medication can pass into breastmilk, and breastfeeding women should inform their doctor before starting this medicine. They will need to monitor their baby for signs of diaper rash, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. They should let the prescribing physician know immediately if these signs develop. The liquid form of clindamycin needs to be measured with a dosing spoon. Patients who take the medication in capsule form should take it with a full glass of water. When injections are necessary, nurses will administer the patient's first dose. They will show the patient how to self-administer additional doses.

This medication should be stored at room temperature and be kept away from moisture and heat. It is particularly important to protect the injectable form from high temperatures. Patients who take it as a liquid should throw away any unused liquid after fourteen days. The solution should never be stored in the refrigerator. Patients scheduled for surgery will need to let their surgeon know that they are taking clindamycin, as it could interact with certain types of anesthesia. Patients who use it may need to have frequent follow-up visits and laboratory tests during treatment. Patients should take the full course of clindamycin that they have been prescribed to reduce the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection. Reveal the potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Taking clindamycin with other medications could cause potential medication interactions. These may result in serious side effects. To reduce the risk of possible interactions, patients should let their doctor know about the medicines and supplements they take. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals. Currently, there are sixty-six recognized interactions associated with this medication. Patients who use ketoconazole, rifampin, or ritonavir may need to adjust their doses.

Patients should not take this antibiotic with erythromycin. It can also interact with indinavir, nefazodone, and nelfinavir. Also, clindamycin can prolong the effects of anesthetics. It may also interfere with birth control. Additionally, clindamycin is known to reduce BCG's effectiveness. This is a medication used to treat non-invasive bladder cancer. After clindamycin has been prescribed, patients should have their pharmacist check their current medications for potential interactions. This should be done at each prescription refill too.